Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif unveiled the plaque of the much awaited project here at the Shakarparian Parade Ground.

The first phase includes construction of a 4-km signal free road and an interchange from Zero Point to Faizabad and would be completed within four months at a cost of Rs 1.6 billion.

The second phase from Faizabad to Koral, stretching over 8-km would have 2 interchanges and 3 underpasses while the third phase would include upgradation of 12-km road from Koral to Rawat, having 4 bridges and a number of interchanges.

The completion of the 24-km long single free corridor would reduce the travelling distance from Zero Point to Rawat by 20 to 25 minutes.

The 24-km long section of existing road from Zero Point is a mix of ten to four lanes road, including several intersections.

The worst and the longest section of the road is from Airport to Rawat Chowk, notorious for accidents, vehicle breakdowns due to poor condition of road and daily traffic jams.

The project involves widening of sections of Islamabad Expressway from Zero Point to Rawat also includes construction of interchange at Airport Chowk and several underpasses to provide easy access to a number of housing colonies on either side of the road.

The road would be constructed in three phases; the first from Zero Point to Faizabad where the six-lane road shrinks to four lane, second from Faizabad to Airport Chowk that is already 10-lane, but needs interchanges at Sohan, Khanna and Airport Chowk and the third phase which includes upgradation of existing dilapidated four-lane road to ten lanes.